Wire splicer



May 1, 1923. 1,453,524

'F. A. ROPP WIRE SPLICER Filed June '16 1922 W1 TNESS INVENTOR.

rfy/mq I 62% z W BY I A I ATTOR E)" Patented May 1, 1923.

FRANK A. ROPP, OF SMITHTON, PENNSYLVANIA.

WIRE srnronn.

Application filed June 16, 1922. Serial No. 568,850.

To all whom it may concern: r

Be it known that I, FRANK A. Rorr, a citizen of the United States, residing at Smithton, in the county of Westmoreland and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Wire Splicers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new andiuseful improvements in wire splicers particularly adapted for connecting trolley wires, but it is obvious that the device maybe employed for any purposes wherein it is found tobe applicable. 1

Important objects of the invention are to provide a wire spiicer of the type stated, having a pair of pivotallysupported grip-- ping elements that are automatically operable to secure the abutting ends of wires together by the tension on the wires themselves, which may be conveniently installed or removed without vthe use of tools, and which may be locked in the secured position to prevent its accidental release due to the vibratory action attending trolley service.

Further objects of the invention are to provide a device of the character stated, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, which is simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable and efficient in its use, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With these and other objects in view, that will appear in the following description, my present invention is a wire splicer that embodies the peculiar features of construction and novel arrangement of parts hereinafter explained in detail, specifically pointed out in the appended claim, and the accompanying drawing, which forms a portion of this specification and wherein like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which Figure 1 is a side view of a wire splicer in accordance with this invention, having a portion thereof shown in cross section.

Figure 2 is a side view of the device. Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the splicer.

Figured is a fragmentary sectional vie-w of a modified form of the splicer.

Referring in detail to the drawing 1 denotes a fiat elongated body portion, of a configuration common to wire splicers ordinarily used for connecting trolley wire, and

of the bore 8, as is indicated at 6.

illustrated in having its lower edge 2 formed to provide a suitable underrun for ,atrolley wheel. 7

The lower portion of the body portion 1 is formed with 'a longitudinally disposed bore 3, which extends throughout the entire length of the body portion 1. The bore 3 is adapted for the reception of the wire ends 4: and 5, to be connected, which are inserted through respective ends of the body portion 1,,so as to abut against each other centrally An elongated slot 7 is formed in the upper portion of the body portion 1, opening at its lower end into the bore 3. A pair of oppositely disposed gripping or securing members 8 and 9 are pivotally mounted, at their outer upper ends, as at 10, at respective ends of the slot 7. w i l a The gripping members 8 and 9 are substantially semi-circular in contour, with the curved portions thereofdisposed downwardly. The periphery of each of the curved,

portions is formed with a plurality of teeth 11.

The disposition of the teeth 11 taken in conjunction with the pivotal mounting ofmembers 8 and. 9 is such as to permit of the ready insertion of the wire ends 4 and 5 toward each other in the bore 3, but will actuate to prevent the withdrawal movement of the wire ends, as the arrangement of the teeth 11 cause them to indent the wire when tensional thereby eliminating liability of slipping against the gripping action of the teeth 11. I The inner top portion of each of the gripping members 8 and 9, that is, that portion remote from its point of connection 10, is formed to provide a fiat seat 12, which is adapted to be enga ed by a resilient member or spring 13, to be described.

A locking cover'14, comprising a top plate 15 formed integral with lateral depending flanges 16, is hinged at one end to the body portion 1 at 1 0, of the gripping member 9. The other end of the cover 14 is formed with a pair of open slots 17 ,in the flanges 16 which engage in the connection 10 of the member 8, and provide means for securing the cover 14L in the closed position by the manipulation of the nut 18 onthe bolt 19, these latter forming the pivotal connection 10 for the member 8.

The spring 13 is fixedly secured,by a rivet 20, to the under face of the cover plate 15,

and is so disposed as to permit of one free end 21 thereof to engage the seat 12 of the gripping member 9, and the other free end 22 to engage the seat 12 of the gripping member 8.

When the cover 14: is secured in the closed position the free ends 21 and of the spring 13 will exert a constant pressure against the seats 12 of respective gripping members 8 and 9, thereby preventing the accidental release oi the members 8 and 9 from the Wires due to the vibrator" action concomitant to severe trolley service.

The modification of the device, illustrated iii Figure 4-, of the drawing, is identical in construction and operatien'as that described relative to the preferred form with the exception of the construction of t e gripping member 23.

The member 23 is substantially a cam quadrant provided with teeth 2 and pivoted, as at 25 in the body portion 1. The member 23 is also formed with a seat 26 for engagement with the spring 18 for the purpose described relative to the preferred form. In the use of my improved Wire sphcer it is only necessary to insert the Wire ends into the bore 3. The tension on the Wires will automatically actuate the gripping members to secure the Wire ends Within the body portion 1, which can only be released by opening the cover 1 and forcing the gripping members free from the Wires, in

desired manner.

VJ hat I claim is A Wire splicer comprising an elongated body portion having a longitudinal bore adapted for the reception of Wire ends to be connected, said body portion further provided with a slot opening into the said bore, a pair of oppositely disposed gripping members pivotally mounted in said slot, each of said members having a working face formed with teeth adapted to engage a spective Wire end, and a' lockingcover hinged to the body pertion carryinga re silient element in engagement with said gripping membersfor locking the latter to the secured position.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

FRANK A. R01 1. 

